By Guinea’s National Transition Council published a draft of the country’s new constitution online early Monday, August 12, 2024.
The document is scheduled for a vote before the end of the year, potentially paving the way for elections and a return to constitutional governance.
The draft constitution outlines a bicameral legislative system consisting of a National Assembly and Senate.
It retains progressive measures from the 2020 Constitution, including bans on the death penalty and female genital mutilation.
The document also reinforces rights protections, stipulating that anyone arrested, detained, or charged must be informed of the reasons for their arrest.
A key feature of the draft is the imposition of a strict two-term limit for the presidency, with each term lasting five years.
This provision aims to prevent long-term entrenchment of power and promote democratic turnover.
However, the draft has sparked debate about the political future of General Mamady Doumbouya, who has led Guinea since a coup in 2021.
While the current transition charter prohibits Doumbouya from standing for president in future elections, this restriction is notably absent from the new draft constitution, leading to speculation about his potential candidacy.
The publication of this draft marks a significant step in Guinea’s transition process, though its final form and implementation remain subject to further debate and a public vote.
The international community continues to closely monitor Guinea’s progress towards democratic rule, with particular interest in how the new constitution will shape the country’s political landscape.
As Guinea moves closer to elections and a potential return to civilian rule, the draft constitution represents a crucial framework for the nation’s democratic future.
Its provisions on term limits, human rights, and governmental structure will likely play a pivotal role in shaping Guinea’s political trajectory in the years to come.
africanews.com
